The Effects of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease can severely impact a person’s ability to write, as vividly shown in the case of a woman whose signature changed dramatically over time. At first, she could write her name quickly and clearly, but as the disease progressed, her handwriting became less legible. The natural flow of her letters, her punctuation, and even the dates she wrote eventually turned into an illegible mess
This transformation highlights the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer’s, which gradually erodes even the most basic functional abilities. But why does this happen? The disease damages the brain’s cognitive functions, making it harder for patients to control fine motor skills or recall how to form letters. While it’s widely known that Alzheimer’s affects memory and daily tasks, these signature changes paint a stark picture of its impact on writing. It’s a sobering reminder of how the disease can strip away even the simplest forms of self-expression.
